Mālaekahana State Recreation Area — Attraction in Oʻahu

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area is an excellent location with good facilities and great beaches. We spent 3 days there recently with a couple of young children. All beaches are fine, white sand. As to surf, the beaches range from the tame and sandy up to the breakers (La'ie Bay on the South side of Area B of the campground) to the rock and coral reef under water at the shore in front of Goat Island (just across from the North side of Area A of the campground). To the North of Goat Island there is a bay with a somewhat pebbly floor and a stone structure the children liked to call a "submerged castle".

When the children were not playing in the surf or exploring the rocky parts of the shore, they were "hunting" feral chickens roaming around the campground. Other reviewers point out that you can "walk" to Goat Island at low tide: that's correct, but plan on walking in water at times that is waist-to-chest-deep. Particularly with the cross-current, after the first third, this is a walk limited to adults with bathing suits and good reef shoes.

The two camping areas A & B are quite isolated, not overcrowded and well-maintained. In July 2022 people were friendly and quiet, and we had no problem at all with theft (as mentioned in another review). Although you feel like you are out in the wild, on the road used to get there (Route 83), there is a large shopping center in La'ie about one mile South of the Park entrance. Between the Foodland grocery and the Ace Hardware located there, we could find just about anything we might have forgotten or needed during a stay.

Bathrooms were fine for a campground. The toilets for Area A had doors on the stalls, but those in Area B did not. All toilets had paper. The indoor showers were OK, although their floors become very sandy from use as evening approached. Park staff clean the bathrooms daily around 7:00 am. A number of water stations, each with 4 sinks and faucets are located throughout both camping areas A and B.

Other reviewers have noted that park staff did not check their permits. That was true for us. However, park staff was present on and off during the day and could have checked permits at any time. Given the very reasonable price ($20/day) of a camping permit for up to 10 people, I see no reason for anyone to try to stay without paying. Everyone seemed to leave their site clean and on time.

We came back to Honolulu very relaxed and with the feeling we'd been far off the grid. We also met some new friends. The kids loved exploring this patch...

To preface what is to follow and give the reader some context, I am a retired commercial pilot, and flown everything but a space shuttle. I have also lived in Aspen, and skiing each day during the season and flying my plane most days in total freedom in the mountains. I worked where ever the bugs were eating our crops and and I climb. I have been all over the world solo. I find jets boring and am a former hard-core aerobatic and industrial pilot ( fire bomber Captain and a 3 feet off the ground crop duster, flying million dollar equipment fast and hard while listening to Classical music). I seek simple beauty in all things. This is NOT my favorite island., so finding places that are acceptable in this overcrowded place is a very hard endeavor. Enough said.........This place, for Oahu, is great. The beach is not my favorite by a long shot. But it's a wonderful place to chill out. I highly recommend it. The facilities are relatively clean. It's been real safe so far. The ocean is wonderfully loud. Buy a big REI tent and chill out!! It's cheap per night. I have a much younger and inexperienced girlie wife and two young kids. They absolutely love it! Stay for at least two nights. We camp only with wool blankets and Thermarest mats; what a sleep!!! Do it. You will not regret it for this island. Also, there is no road noise to contend with. I like it. I'd say do it and RELAX./ ENJOY and get there early! Be sure to book online. Kawika. The "go it alone"...

A large family oriented camp ground, majority of camp sites are surrounded by native bushes that grow as a wind and rain break, making for a nice privacy break also . Sites are clean, mowed, bushes trimmed, several campsite sizes for small to larger groups and family, good parking at each campsite. Grass lawn at majority of camp sites, running fresh water from pipe and spigot. Roads to campsites well maintained. Bathrooms located close by for 2-3 campsites to share, bathrooms are clean, have flushing toilets, separate male/female sides, well ventilated, no windows, but screen covered open ventilation areas along top of outside facing wall, running water sink in each bathroom. Park has security guards 24 hrs. in case of problems. No Pets allowed. Some campsites further from beach than others, recommend a cart for transporting beach chairs...